James Worthy’s Arrest Triggered Image Conscious Michael Jordan’s Greatest Fear: “Any Mistake I Make”

Michael Jordan while remembered as the GOAT, is also remembered for being an avid gambler. But, before his “gambling addiction” became public, MJ had a squeaky clean image. And, at one point in time, Jordan was insistent on maintaining the same. In fact, as revealed in Sam Smith’s book, The Jordan Rules, His Airness was filled with fear after learning of the scandal his former North Carolina teammate and Laker legend, James Worthy had gotten himself into.

Jordan is one of the biggest names in the world of sports. Much like today, MJ had a ton of endorsement back in his playing days. From his legendary deal with Nike to his work with Gatorade and Chevrolet. So, with so much on the line, excellence and perfection were demanded of him. That is why Worthy’s arrest triggered his biggest fear. Seeing as he was afraid that one mistake could see him suffer a similar fate.

Michael Jordan saw his biggest fear come to life when Laker legend James Worthy was arrested

Back in 1990, Los Angeles Lakers forward James Worthy was arrested during a road trip in Houston. Worthy, a highly respected figure in the NBA was taken in for solicitation. According to reports, Big Game James had called an escort service and asked for two girls, only for them to reveal they were undercover police officers upon their arrival.

This incident was widely covered and news about it spread like wildfire, even reaching Worthy’s former college teammate Michael Jordan in Chicago. And, this news left MJ shaken. At the time, Jordan was a role model to many in the NBA, and the idea of something so scandalous happening to him was his biggest fear.

While his teammates in the Bulls’ locker room were making jokes at Worthy’s expense, His Airness was worried. Both for his fellow North Carolina alum and for his own future. He would regularly ask reporters for updates and even shared his thoughts about the difficulties of being a superstar. And how he was aware than any mistake he made could do severe damage to his image.

“‘It’s the biggest fear you have,’ said Jordan. ‘I know it’s my greatest fear. I’ve spent a life building something positive, and I know any mistake I make could damage that for the rest of my life. People look to their role models to be almost flawless and I guess I’m the closest thing to being viewed positively, very little being flawed in my life. It’s hard to live up to something like that, really harder than basketball. It’s really the biggest job I have.'”

It’s clear to see that this was a huge fear for Jordan. Unfortunately, despite being wary, MJ himself would also lose his impeccable image a few years later.

Jordan also lost his squeaky clean image much like James Worthy did

Despite having an obvious fear of losing face, Michael Jordan followed in James Worthy’s footsteps. While it was not due to solicitation, in 1992, Jordan’s image took a huge hit when his “gambling addiction” came to light. His involvement with Slim Bouler, a convicted cocaine dealer, and money launderer made headlines.

MJ had written a cheque for $57,000 in Bouler’s name, which was later revealed to be for gambling debts he had incurred through losses in golf and poker.

To this day, the six-time NBA Champion claims he does not have an addiction. But, whether he does or not, it does not change the fact that his biggest fear came true because of it.